Magnus Haroldson

Magnus was either the seccond or third son of Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex. He was perhaps between 18 and 21 when he accompanied his brothers Godwine and Edmund in raids against Exeter and Bristol in 1068. their attempt to take Bristol met with strong resistence and they withdrew to Somerset where his brother Godwine held land. A raid on the Taunton mint at this time might have been their intention however they again met with resistence from the local fyrd led by Eadnoth Harding, son of Sweyn Forkbeard.


Bleadon Hill, Photo © Derek Harper 23 May 2010

It was at Bleadon that Eadnoth fell, fighting against the sons of Harold and it might be possible that Magnus also fell in this conflict as he is not heard from again.